The DePaul University Library, in collaboration with The University Center for Writing-based Learning (UCWbL), invite you to celebrate Banned Books Week with us this year. Join us September 26th through October 2nd for the 2021 celebration of the right to read!
According to the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom, Banned Books Week spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. It brings together the entire literary community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
This year’s theme is “Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us.” Sharing stories important to us means sharing a part of ourselves. Books reach across boundaries and build connections between readers. Censorship, on the other hand, creates barriers.
The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted for removal or restriction in libraries and schools. By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.
Banned Books Week Events
Information Tables, Kelly Hall
Wednesday, September 29th 11:00am–1:00pm (drop-in)
The DePaul University Library will be hosting a tabling event along with the University Center for Writing-based Learning. Stop by to take a look at the most challenged books of 2020 and learn whether some of your favorite books have ever been challenged—or even banned! Make a Banned Books Week button, grab a bookmark and a sticker, and enter our raffle to win a DePaul Library tote, mug, and book light.
City Lit Theater presents…
“Books on the Chopping Block”
Thursday, September 30th, 1:00pm–2:30pm
John T. Richardson Library, Room 103
or register at bit.ly/3BttOvc to join remotely on Zoom
This year we will welcome back City Lit Theater to read selections from the top 10 most challenged books of 2020 as compiled by the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom. The performance will include dramatic readings from All American Boys, To Kill a Mockingbird, George, and the rest of the 10 most challenged books of 2020. Raffle and Q&A to follow.
For more information, visit our Banned Books Research Guide and https://www.bannedbooksweek.org.
Books Unite Us, Censorship Divides Us!